Halloween can be a frightening time for family dogs. If you look at Halloween from your pet’s perspective, it’s easy to see how the events could seem very confusing and scary with familiar faces masked and dressed oddly, excited trick-or-treaters running around, constant ringing of the doorbell, strangers jumping out of concealed areas trying to cause a fright.

Here are some ways you can protect your dog:

Walking your dog…
Walk your dog before trick-or-treaters start their visits as many dogs are frightened by people in costumes. Only take your dog walking with the trick-or-treaters if you can pay close attention to them and their surroundings. Your dog may become startled when someone approaches and react uncharacteristically or instinctively to protect you. Stay alert, keep your dog on a leash, and be prepared to remove your dog from any problematic situation. When walking dogs during or after Halloween, watch carefully for what they might pick up and choke on. Bits of candy and wrappers abound on sidewalks and streets after holidays.

If you dress your dog…
If you plan on dressing up your pet, make sure the costume does not interfere with his or her vision, hearing or breathing. Costumes should be lightweight and not too tight. Also, loose or dangling accessories or details can present a choking hazard for your pet. Make sure to snip loose threads, beads or other hanging items before dressing your pet.

When the bell rings…
Many dogs are frightened of are frightened by people in costumes and when pets become scared, their first instinct is usually to run. The most likely point of escape will be the door that keeps opening and closing for guests or trick-or-treaters. Place a barrier such as a baby gate between your pet and the front door. Also, consider crating your pet, which can make him feel more secure and reduce chances of accidental escapes. Provide chew toys, a favorite blanket, a piece of clothing with your scent on it, or whatever comforts the animal. Play soft music or a recording of soothing sounds.

If you want to have your dog near the door to greet visitors, keep him on leash. Pets can become very stressed by holiday activities and unwelcome interruptions in routine. A nervous dog might feel threatened and growl, lunge or bite.
Always make sure your pet can be identified with either a tag or microchip—just in case.

It’s not yummy in their tummy…
Keep dogs out of the candy bowl. Dispose of candy wrappers before your pets get to them, since the wrappers can cause choking or intestinal obstruction. Make sure the dogs can’t get into the trash. Explain to everyone in your home (including kids) how dangerous treats are to pets. Take young children’s candy supply and put it somewhere out of reach of pets. Caution children about leaving candy wrappers on the floor.

Don’t make it a howl-o-ween…
Keep dogs indoors. It’s a bad idea to leave dogs out in the yard; in addition to the parade of holiday celebrants frightening and agitating them, there have been reports of taunting, poisonings and pet thefts. Plus they’re likely to bark and howl at the constant flow of trick-or- treaters.

Lastly, have a happy and safe Halloween!